Abstract: An improved monolithic hydrogenation catalyst and processes for using same to hydrogenate animal and vegetable oils, said catalyst being comprised of a Raney metal alloy surface layer integral with and derived from a selected nickel alloy monolithic substrate mesh structure wherein said surface layer is predominantly derived from an adherent Beta structured crystalline precursor outer portion thereon. The catalyst is adaptable to both continuous and batch hydrogenation and shows enhanced activity, improved triene to diene selectivity and a low isomerization index. Hydrogenated oils show lower linolenic and stearic contents, lower trans-isomer percentages and lower melting points as compared to commercial products of equivalent iodine number.

Abstract: An improved process for treating aqueous effluents and purge streams to selectively remove polluting elements such as iron, copper, lead and mercury therefrom is described. The procedure comprises contacting the effluent with a poly(dithiocarbamate) chelating agent whereby the polluting elements are absorbed. The resin is extracted with an acidic aqueous solution having a pH of from about 4 to about 6; and removing the resin. When this is done, the residual content of these polluting elements in the effluent is reduced to a level below EPA required levels so that the effluent can safely be discharged into the surrounding ecosystem. The poly(dithiocarbamate) resin containing the polluting elements can be disposed of, for example, by being deposited in an unsecured landfill.

Abstract: A process for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal halide in an electrolytic cell having an anode compartment containing at least one anode, a cathode compartment containing at least one cathode, and a cation exchange membrane separating the anode compartment from the cathode compartment comprises feeding the aqueous solution of an alkali metal halide to the anode compartment; feeding an oxygen-containing gas to the cathode compartment; and electrolyzing the alkali metal halide solution to produce a halogen gas and alkali metal ions in the anode compartment. The alkali metal ions and water are passed through the cation exchange membrane into the cathode compartment to contact a hydrophilic porous cathode. The alkali metal ions, the water and the oxygen-containing gas produce a concentrated alkali metal hydroxide solution which flows through a hydrophilic porous cathode.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing heavy metal contaminants from impure alkali metal nitrates containing them. The process comprises mixing the impure nitrates with sufficient water to form a concentrated aqueous solution of the impure nitrates, adjusting the pH of the resulting solution to preferably within the range of between about 2 and about 4, adjusting the nitrite ion concentration to between about 0.07 molar and about 1.0 molar, to effect reduction of the heavy metal contaminants, adjusting the pH of the reduced solution to effect precipitation of heavy metal impurities, and separating the solid impurities from the resulting purified aqueous solution of alkali metal nitrates. The resulting purified solution of alkali metal nitrates may be heated to evaporate water therefrom to produce purified molten alkali metal nitrate suitable for use as a heat transfer medium. If desired, the purified molten form may be granulated and cooled to form discrete solid particles of alkali metal nitrates.

Abstract: In a rotary drum spray grainer there is provided a solid product material exit at the same end as the inlet hot air so that air classification of the solid product material according to size is achieved while the solid product material passes counter-current to the inlet hot air as the solid product material exits the drum.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing contaminants from impure alkali metal nitrates containing them. The process comprises heating the impure alkali metal nitrates in solution form or molten form at a temperature and for a time sufficient to effect precipitation of solid impurities and separating the solid impurities from the resulting purified alkali metal nitrates. The resulting purified alkali metal nitrates in solution form may be heated to evaporate water therefrom to produce purified molten alkali metal nitrates suitable for use as a heat transfer medium. If desired, the purified molten form may be granulated and cooled to form discrete solid particles of purified alkali metal nitrates.

Abstract: A method of employing wire reference electrodes in an electrolytic cell with at least one voltmeter to monitor the potential of the cell components and the cell is provided wherein the wire reference electrode comprises a lead-in wire portion, a reference wire portion, a sealing material to seal the junction of the lead-in wire reference portions, and a heat shrinkable insulating material.

Abstract: Oxidation inhibiting amounts of alkylated diphenyl oxide disulfonates are incorporated into photographic color developers containing primary aromatic amino color developing agents to increase clarity and inhibit the formation of tar-like precipitates in these developers. Typical disulfonates include sodium dodecyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, sodium decyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, sodium cetyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, monocetyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, dicetyl diphenyl ether disulfonate and mixtures thereof. The use of disulfonates of this type substantially eliminates the need for cosolvents such as alkanolamines to inhibit the formation of tar-like particles in the developers.

Abstract: An improved method for shutting down an electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions containing ionizable compounds is provided. The electrolytic cell has a first electrode, a second electrode of opposite polarity, a first conductor electrically connected to the first electrode and a second conductor electrically connected to the second conductor, and means for supplying an electric current to the first and second conductors. The method improvement comprises activating a cell protection circuit between the first conductor and the first electrode, and preventing the passage of reverse currents through the cell.The method can also be employed to prevent the passage of reverse currents through a plurality of cells in series in the case of a power outage or disruption.

Abstract: In an alpine snow ski having a fiberglass sandwich construction there is provided at least one high strength fiber reinforcing rod positioned generally horizontally within the ski's cross-section extending forwardly from the binding area to the shovel contact point and rearwardly from the binding area to the tail contact point externally of the compression carrying laminate to increase the flexural response and compressive structural strength of the ski.

Abstract: A method of repairing a damaged electrode surface comprises coating the damaged area with a polyhaloolefin. The coated area is cured, for example, by heat or radiation and the cured coating bonds the damaged area to the surrounding electrode surface.The method of the invention permits the "in situ" repair of electrode surfaces while preventing distortion of the electrode surface or its support members.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for retaining a slip sheet in place on top of a pallet as the pallet is conveyed along a predetermined path of travel in a palletizer, depalletizer or other conveying means.

Abstract: An improved reticulate electrode is produced by coating only one surface with a hydrophobic coating agent. Suitable hydrophobic coating agents include thermoplastic polymers such as polyolefins, polyhaloolefins, polyarylene sulfides and sulfone polymers. A preferred embodiment of the reticulate electrode is produced in a method which comprises:(a) affixing filaments to a support fabric to form a network of filaments, the filaments being comprised of a metal or metal sensitized plastic,(b) depositing an electroconductive metal on the filaments to form metal coated filaments, the deposition providing interfilament bonding at contact sites between adjacent filaments,(c) removing the support fabric from the metal coated filament network to produce a reticulate electrode having a porosity of at least 80 percent, and(d) depositing on only one surface of the reticulate electrode a coating of a hydrophobic coating agent.

Abstract: An improved process for the electrolysis of an aqueous electrolyte in an electrolytic membrane cell is provided. The membrane cell is comprised of an anode compartment having at least one anode and containing the aqueous electrolyte and a cathode compartment containing at least one cathode and a concentrated catholyte liquor. A vertically positioned cation exchange membrane separates the anode compartment from the cathode compartment. The process improvement comprises exposing a substantial portion of the cathode to a gaseous atmosphere, this substantial portion of the cathode is not immersed in the concentrated catholyte liquor produced. The concentrated aqueous catholyte liquor is removed from the cathode compartment to prevent a substantial accumulation of catholyte liquor in the cathode compartment.

Abstract: A swimming pool chemical tablet and storage container is provided for use in a skimmer of a forced circulation flow system, the swimming pool chemical tablet having a radial sidewall contact surface which contacts the frusto-conoidally shaped sidewall of the container at a location at least equal to one-half the predetermined height of the tablet to form a tablet-sidewall flow space above the sidewall contact surface to control the rate of dissolution of the tablet when water is circulated in the forced circulation flow system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated electrolytic membrane test cell apparatus adaptable for the purpose of accurately measuring the electrolytic properties of membranes used in chlor-alkali cells under operating conditions similar to those used in such cells. The apparatus comprises a test cell, said test cell being adapted to hold a permselective membrane sealingly supported therein so as to create separate anode and cathode compartments. An important feature of this invention is the use of reference voltage measurement means in each of said compartments to measure the voltage drop and power consumption within the membrane.

Abstract: A rotating disc reactor for production of sodium hydrosulfite comprising a reactor main housing containing a plurality of elongated reaction chambers with at least partially arcuate interior periphery. Each reaction compartment contains a top gaseous layer, an intermediate buffer solution layer, and a bottom sodium amalgam layer. Positioned in each compartment is a rotatable shaft with a plurality of rotatable discs mounted thereon for reacting and mixing the three layers of reactants. The reactor includes means for distributing amalgam and means for distributing recirculated buffer solution into each reaction compartment. At least one of the side walls of the housing is connected to an end box having inlet and outlet means for circulating the amalgam and the sodium hydrosulfite product. The reactor further includes a sulfur dioxide inlet manifold having an arcuate interior which is offset from the reactor housing.

Abstract: In a downhill snow ski there are provided reinforcement rib members which are positioned generally perpendicularly to the top surface and the bottom running surface of the ski and are formed from a material of relatively high modulus with respect to the modulus of the core material formed from wood and foam to impart an increased rate of return and a controllably designed natural frequency to the ski.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrolytic cell, and a method for producing same, wherein said electrode comprises an internal copper conductor and an external element of a second metal, at least a portion of each having contact surfaces being held in intimate contact with the other, said conductor and said element each having a conductive coating applied to the contact surface, said conductive coating comprising between about 20 and about 30 percent indium and between about 80 and about 70 percent gallium, whereby the contact resistance between said conductor and said element is reduced.

Abstract: A methanation process utilizing an improved catalyst for the conversion of CO, CO.sub.2 and mixtures thereof to CH.sub.4 is disclosed. The catalyst comprises a monolithic mesh type structure of a nickel alloy having an integral Beta phase Raney coating on its outer surfaces. When used, substantially higher reactant flow rates and lower operating temperatures are possible as compared to conventional fluidized bed granular catalysts.